This multi-day adventure takes you to two of the world’s most incredible and pristine environments; San Pedro de Atacama is second to none with its uncontested beauty and dramatic contrast of land and sky. In places you may feel as if you are on another planet, or even the moon! And then, suddenly your surroundings transform and you’re deep in a lush river canyon. This unique part of our Earth is untouched in many places; some haven’t seen rain in more than 300 years! During your stay, you will experience guided explorations, gourmet meals and a wonderful climate year-round. Activities range from touring by car to mountain climbing! Spending 3 nights in this region allows for time to acclimatize yourself for your stay in Bolivia. From the peaks of the Andes, travel to the majestic Salt Flats of Bolivia. This impressive area of the world is one of the best places for incredible snapshots. Experience this vast landscape by 4X4 vehicle. During these excursions you will enjoy visits to small local villages and towns in this remote area of South America. Although this area is very rustic and missing some comforts of home, it’s views and natural beauty are well worth the sacrifice. This journey will have you returning home with memories and photos that are sure to leave a footprint in your mind for many years to come.

San Pedro de Atacama is located in Antofagasta Region, in the Atacama desert and near the Salar de Uyuni. It grew around an oasis over centuries and nearby native ruins showcase pre-Colombian cultures. The city has a significant archaeological museum with a large collection of relics and artifacts from the region. Other popular activities include sand boarding and stargazing, with unrivalled views in the dry clean air. The town lies at an average altitude of approximately 2,400m (7,900 ft) and visitors often experience mild altitude sickness such as dizziness, lethargy and headaches.

Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locating your vehicle.

Shared transfer by van from the Calama airport to Alto Atacama. Aproximate transfer time is 1 hour. 

Alto Atacama believes that the world has to be walked and explored, to become known. People have different interests and skills, and Alto Atacama guides will help you feel comfortable and safe in whatever activity you choose.

From the moment you arrive at our hotel, the Alto Atacama team will take care of you. The expert guides and crew, are able to make any one feel at home in the middle of one of the driest deserts in the world. With the help of your guides, you will determine how far your physical strength can take you, always being safe, aware that you are only  a guest of the immense Atacama Desert.

The expeditions can be physically demanding or relaxed, they can engage you intellectually or simply let you feel the energy of the desert. Whatever excursion you decide to be part of, the sights will stay with your forever, because Atacama is our world, one of purity and space. Excursions are in small groups, leaving no traces.

Surrounded and embraced by the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt mountain range) and close to the pre-columbian ruins of Quitor, the Alto Atacama Hotel offers one of the most astonishing settings in the world. The hotel has state of the art facilities including a Spa, Yoga fields, hot springs, wooden decks with 6 swimming pools, International bar and a cozy common room with a big fireplace. Add the most impressive sights of the milky way to all of that and you can start getting the picture... The decor is simple yet elegant, with local crafts to enhance the spirit of the rooms. All rooms in Alto Atacama have a private terrace from which the colors of the valley can be enjoyed. Take a nap, read a book or simply relax. The definition of peacefulness acquires a new meaning after a couple of nights here.

Overnight at Alto Atacama.

Alto Atacama believes that the world has to be walked and explored, to become known. People have different interests and skills, and Alto Atacama guides will help you feel comfortable and safe in whatever activity you choose.

From the moment you arrive at our hotel, the Alto Atacama team will take care of you. The expert guides and crew, are able to make any one feel at home in the middle of one of the driest deserts in the world. With the help of your guides, you will determine how far your physical strength can take you, always being safe, aware that you are only  a guest of the immense Atacama Desert.

The expeditions can be physically demanding or relaxed, they can engage you intellectually or simply let you feel the energy of the desert. Whatever excursion you decide to be part of, the sights will stay with your forever, because Atacama is our world, one of purity and space. Excursions are in small groups, leaving no traces.

Overnight at Alto Atacama.

Overnight at Alto Atacama.

Salar de Uyuni is estimated to contain 10 billion tons of salt, of which less than 25,000 tons is extracted annually. All miners working in the Salar belong to Colchani's cooperative. Every November, Salar de Uyuni is also the breeding grounds for three species of South American flamingos: the Chilean, James's and Andean flamingos. It is also a significant tourist destination; highlights include a salt hotel and several so-called islands. As it is so flat it serves as a major transport route across the Bolivian Altiplano.

This morning you will depart the hotel with your private van and driver heading to Chilean Customs in San Pedro de Atacama. After finishing with customs, enjoy a one hour drive through the Chilean Andes arriving at the Bolivian Border crossing of Hito Cajón. Note: American Passengers must pay $136.00 USD to enter Bolivia. This can be done in advance with the Bolivian Consulate, or locally at the border crossing in cash. Rules are subject to changes without notice. Contact the Bolivian Consulate for the latest rules.

Upon arrival in Hito Cajón (Bolivian Border) you will meet with your private English speaking Bolivian guide, and your private driver. They will assist you with Bolivian Customs. Once customs is complete you will commence your guided full day tour towards the Salar de Uyuni. Today you will visit Volcán Llicancabur, one of highest mountains of the area, where you will see Laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) located at the base of the mountain. The bright green color of the lagoon is a result of rich minerals found in the water. Continuing the drive towards Uyuni, you will see the surreal natural wonder of the Altiplanic desert aptly named after Salvador Dalí. The desert of Dalí has stunning views of snow capped mountain with a diversity of color, a result of the minerals embedded in the Andes Cordillera. Shortly afterwards you will arrive at Laguna Polques where if you like, you can enjoy a dip in the natural hot springs at the edge of the lagoon. A picnic lunch will be provided. Around mid day, visit the nearby Geyers, before descending to Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon). Here you will see remarkable views of the Andes mountains reflected in the red water of the lagoon. You will also see numerous birds of various kinds including flamingoes of the Andean, James and Chilean variety. Continue on your journey towards the Salar of Uyuni as passing by towns, villages and farmland, seeing canyons and rivers, Vicuna, Llamas and Alpacas along the way. In the evening you will arrive in Colchani a town located on the very edge of the Great Salar of Uyuni, to enjoy a hot Bolivian dinner (included) after a long day journey.

Located by the Salt Flats borders of Uyuni, in the Colchani area, the Luna Salada Hotel (Salt Moon Hotel) is one of the most extraordinary hotels in the world. The unique hotel is constructed of salt blocks, in the Salt flats of Uyuni in Bolivia. The personalized attention given by the staff offers excellent service while the privileged location gives some of the best view of the Salt Flats, in a peaceful atmosphere.

Overnight at Luna Salada.

Tahua is a high altitude town on the side of a volcano beside the Salar de Uyuni. A stopover for region tours, there are some rewarding climbs in town - but only for those who are completely acclimatized to the altitude.

As its name describes, the Hotel de Sal is almost entirely made of pure salt from the Uyuni Salt Flats, and is located near the village of Tahua, on the foothills of Thunupa volcano, only 110 km away from the town of Uyuni. The hotel faces the Salt Flats and offers overwhelming views over the surrounding desert of 12,000 square Km and has an intimate feel to it, given that it only hosts 47 guests at a time.

Overnight at Tayka de Sal Hotel.

Villamar is a small, basic refuge village in the middle of Salar de Uyuni.

Early in the morning following breakfast your private driver and Guide will take you across the giant Salt Flat by vehicle once again, visiting the village of San Juan del Rosario (St. John of the Rosary), where you can enjoy a picnic lunch. Then continue on to village of Villa Mar, with scenic views of the Bolivian Altiplano along the way, see Vicuna’s, Alpaca’s, Llamas and Biscachas along the way arriving at around 5:30pm to the village. Tonight we will stay in a basic refugio and enjoy a hot meal after a full day journey.

Las Piedritas is a basic refugio (basic hotel) located in the small village of Villa Mar in the Bolivian Altiplano. It is located in a valley with nearby streams, and farm lands. The rooms have private washrooms with showers.

Overnight at Las Piedritas.

This morning after breakfast we will return to the Bolivian and Chilean Border of Hito Cajón. Along the way we will once again visit the Laguna Verde and Laguna Colorada passing by the scenic desert of Dalí as we continue through the Andes arriving at the border around 11:00am.

Upon arrival at Hito Cajón customs you will meet with our Chilean English speaking guide who is also your driver. The guide will take you to San Pedro de Atacama to assist you with clearing Chilean customs. After clearing customs the guide will drive you to Calama (1hr) for your departure flight.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).